Military Club Membership

Pay Tribute to Veterans

The Marines’ Memorial Association’s 1946 charter established the Marines’ Memorial Club as the first “Living Memorial” in the United States, dedicated as a “tribute to those who have gone before; and to provide a service to those who carry on.” The intention was to provide a facility that would: honor the memory and commemorate the valor of the members of the United States Armed Forces who were killed, lost, or died in military service for their Country; provide spaces for forums, for educational lectures and meetings; and include a museum and library for records, literature, historical objects, and military books.

Since the establishment of this Living Memorial, the Marines’ Memorial Club has been a place for Veterans to come together, to remember fallen comrades and loved ones, and to reminisce in a place consecrated for just that purpose. Read on to learn about military club membership with us.

Elements of the Living Memorial:

Lobby Displays

The display cases in the Lobby of the Marines’ Memorial Club exhibit authentic artifacts and background information on the Marine Corps’ history as well as individuals who have contributed to the Corps’ heritage. While history is being read, it is also being written; our lobby displays are updated periodically to reflect recent United States military involvements and the patriotic deeds of our service men and women.

Flying Leatherneck Lounge

The “Flying Leatherneck Lounge” on the second floor, contains a large exhibition of pictures and artifacts about the U.S. Marine Corps Aviation.

Commandant’s Corridor

The Commandant’s Corridor on the third floor features photographs and biographies of the Commandants and Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps. The pictures of the Commandant’s home in Washington, D.C., the “President’s Own” Marine Corps Band, and the Silent Drill Team at Eighth and I Streets in Washington, D.C. are also on display.

Hall of Honor

The “Hall of Honor” located on the fourth floor, contains numerous photographs and citations of Marines and sailors bestowed the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force by an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States.

Hall of Valor

The “Hall of Valor” located on the fifth floor, contains photographs and citations of Marines and Sailors recognized with the nation’s second highest award for valor in combat, the Navy Cross.

Memorial Hall

The “Memorial Hall” is located on the seventh floor. This corridor displays (8x10) memorial plaques that our members and visitors have ordered at the Marines’ Memorial to honor living and departed loved ones, who either served in the military or were a part of military life. Please proceed to the following link http://mmamemorialplaques.com/ to locate a memorial plaque.

Fleet Week and Humanitarian Assistance

The San Francisco Fleet Week and Humanitarian missions’ photographs are located on the eighth floor. This annual public event honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These collaborations of joint military and civilian authorities provide serious education and training programs for humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.

The History of the Bay Area Military Bases

The History of the Bay Area Military Bases is located on the ninth floor. During World War II, the Bay Area was the hub of military movement in the Pacific with many active bases. The exhibit is a collection of maps and pictures for the military bases that existed in the local area.

Tribute Memorial Wall

Located on the 10 Mezzanine, the Tribute Memorial Wall consists of individual black bricks honoring the fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have given their lives in Overseas Contingency Operations (OEF, OIF, OND, OIR & OFS Combined) since 9/11.

General E.O. Ames Library and Museum

The General Ames Library is located on the eleventh floor. Over 3,900 military oriented books are available, alongside artifacts put on a display demonstrating our military past and present. This space provides our members and visitors a quiet area to read a book, magazine or military periodical or simply enjoy the large fireplace in the library.

The Living Memorial Project:

The Marines’ Memorial Living Memorial Project (LMP), led by GySgt Wendy Shuman, USMC (Ret.) and a loyal team of volunteers organize and maintain all the exhibits in the hotel. Our members, guests and others interested in military history, donate memorabilia and artifacts for our displays.

If you are interested in donating an item or volunteering for this meaningful project, please contact Wendy Shuman, Living Memorial Project Director, at [email protected].

Please be advised that potential volunteers must complete an application for a thorough background check in order to determine suitability. We appreciate your interest and valuable time in considering this volunteer opportunity.

Click here to donate to the Marines’ Memorial Association’s Living Memorial.